Pandemic-EBT: Grocery Benefit for New York Kids
Pandemic-EBT (P-EBT) benefits are coming to New York kids! This benefit will provide food support to children who missed free school meals due to school building closures in School Year 2020-2021. Eligible students in New York State who participated in hybrid learning models could receive $82 per month, and those in remote learning models will receive $132 per month. No Kid Hungry has compiled the information below from the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) website – please refer to the resources below for ways to connect with OTDA and access specific information.
Quick Facts
- P-EBT is a federal food benefit that can be used to purchase grocery items at any location that accepts SNAP benefits. The program is administered through the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA).
- There is no application for P-EBT benefits. Eligible children will automatically receive P-EBT benefits through one of the following: SNAP/TANF EBT card; Medicaid card; P-EBT card from the previous round of benefits; or new P-EBT card.
- In New York State, children are eligible if they qualify to receive free school meals through the National School Lunch Program AND if they attended a school that taught primarily through remote or hybrid models during SY20-21.
- In New York City, all children who attended a New York City public school during SY20-21 are eligible for P-EBT benefits. Benefits amounts will be determined by the number of days the child attended in-person learning.
- P-EBT will not impact immigration status or public charge determinations.
- Additional benefits will be added to the card. Please save your P-EBT card.
NY State Information
- Timeline: According to OTDA, benefits will begin to be sent to families starting in August, 2021. The most up to date information on benefit distribution can be found on OTDA’s SNAP COVID-19 Information page.
- OTDA’s Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on P-EBT
- State hotline for questions and information on P-EBT: 1-888-328-6399
- Check the P-EBT distribution status of your child’s school: NYS School List
- Check your P-EBT balance: connectebt.com
- P-EBT Resources from Hunger Solutions New York
NYC-Specific Information
- Timeline: Benefits have begun to be sent to families and will continue to be distributed throughout the summer.
- Frequently Asked Questions guide
- P-EBT Resources from Hunger Free America
- P-EBT Resources from Community Food Advocates
Don’t forget! There are additional ways to find food support for your family:
- See if you’re eligible for SNAP benefits
- Register for WIC benefits
- Find free summer meals in your area by texting “Food” or “Comida” to 877-877
Last updated August 2, 2021
